ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the multi-faceted range of experiences concerned with anxiety. Whilst at certain levels causing significant distress for people it can at the other end of the spectrum be regarded as a ‘normal’ reaction to situations in which people find themselves. This provides a beneficial, protective function alerting one of danger as well as helping to focus attention and improve performance. We can all relate to the experience of anxiety although to very different degrees of emotional intensity. Mild to moderate levels of anxiety are part of most people’s lives and generally coped well with. More severe levels though can be debilitating and impact upon all aspects of a person’s life including work, education, leisure pursuits and relationships. The physical and psychological effects (see Figure 3.1) can create a difficult and pervasive spiral of negative thinking. Being unable to find relief for one’s concerns can cause a person much distress and influence ways of responding to situations. Concentration, attention, motivation and drive can all be severely decreased, making all of these aspects problematic, frustrating and at times agonising. Areas such as sleep can be strongly impacted upon further heightening a person’s levels of stress and agitation. Without proper support (and in some cases even with support) anxiety problems can take over people’s lives and leave them feeling ‘different’, helpless, impotent, vulnerable, stressed and fearful. Personal means of coping with this can include avoidance, isolating oneself or seeking support from drink and drugs. Such coping methods in turn cause their own problems and can develop into a downward spiral, heightening a person’s sense of difference, lowered confidence and feelings of helplessness. These issues will be examined within this chapter which is concerned with what it feels like to experience problems with anxiety, ways in which different types of support are experienced and aspects relating to living well and coping.
